7-Day Affordable Meal Plan: April 20–26 Grocery Guide

A flexible, budget-friendly 7-day meal plan to remove the guesswork from dinner. All ingredients are from Aldi — a one-stop shop that helps keep costs down. This plan includes seven recipes and an itemised shopping list to make dinner time simple and affordable.

Welcome to the third Savvy Bites dinner plan featuring Aldi UK ingredients. If you shop at Aldi in another country, you’ll likely find comparable items. With many of us cooking at home more than usual, this straightforward plan offers seven dinners that can be adjusted for household size — you may have leftovers, or you can swap in takeout when you prefer to support local eateries.

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Why Aldi

Quick note on Aldi: I have no formal connection to the store — I simply find it reliable, affordable and convenient. Early on I would combine a main shop at Aldi with trips to other stores for extras, which cost time and money. Using my chef training, I focused on creating recipes that use only Aldi ingredients. The result: fewer shops, lower cost and plenty of tasty meals.

About the meal plan

Meal planning is a habit I learned young. Growing up in a single-parent household on a tight budget taught me how to buy smart, avoid waste and make the most of simple ingredients. Those habits translate directly into these plans: practical, budget-conscious dinners designed to be easy, adaptable and flavourful.

The recipes

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

A one-pot creamy chicken and bacon pasta that’s quick and satisfying. Golden chicken, crispy bacon and a silky cream sauce — all made with Aldi ingredients.

Make This Recipe

Chicken and bacon pasta in a white bowl on a blue table.

Easy 30-Minute Butternut Squash Curry

A warming butternut squash and chickpea curry that’s full of flavour and simple to prepare — ideal for any weeknight.

Make This Recipe

Butternut squash and chickpea curry with kale and rice.

Creamy Coconut Salmon Curry

Salmon fillets roasted with spices and finished in a Thai-style coconut curry with spinach — an easy, 30-minute dinner.

Make This Recipe

Coconut salmon curry in a creamy curry sauce on a white plate with spinach and rice.

The BEST Egg Fried Rice With Vegetables

A quick, adaptable egg fried rice with mixed vegetables — ready in about 30 minutes and great for using up fridge bits.

Make This Recipe

Easy egg-fried rice with vegetables in a skillet.

Easy Mac And Cheese

A comforting baked mac and cheese with a creamy sauce and crunchy breadcrumb topping — simple, satisfying and family-friendly.

Make This Recipe

Easy mac and cheese with breadcrumbs and parsley on top.

Dessert

Quick and Easy Fruit Crumble Recipe

A timeless baked fruit dessert with a crunchy oat topping. Easy to scale for a crowd or to portion for one or two people.

Make This Recipe

The meal plan and shopping list

Click here to print the shopping list

If you try any of these recipes, please leave a comment and a star rating — feedback helps improve future meal plans.

For more recipe ideas and inspiration, follow Savvy Bites on social media and join the community for tips, meal planning help and exclusive Aldi-only meal plans available to subscribers.

Meet the Chef!

Hi, I’m Debs — a Cordon Bleu-trained chef who focuses on creating delicious, budget-conscious meals. My goal is to help you cook with confidence and enjoy great food without overspending.

Learn more about me →